Virginia Waste Management Guide 2025

Virginia Waste Management Industry Overview

Virginia generates approximately 9.2 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, serving a population of 8.6 million residents. The state operates 52 active landfills, 18+ materials recovery facilities (MRFs), and extensive infrastructure supporting urban NoVA, military installations, and rural communities. Northern Virginia metro area (3.2 million population) alone generates 3.5+ million tons annually.

State Waste Laws & Regulations

Virginia operates under state oversight with significant local control and regional variation:

• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): Regulates waste facilities, enforces disposal laws, tracks diversion, administers grant programs. Division of Land Protection and Revitalization oversees solid waste management.
• No Statewide Residential Recycling Mandate: Virginia does not require residential recycling. Local governments set policies. State agencies required to recycle under Virginia Code §10.1-1425.7. State recycling rate: 44% (2023) - above national average.
• E-Waste Law (2008): Computer Recovery and Recycling Act (Virginia Code §59.1-519 et seq.) bans TVs and computer equipment from landfills. Manufacturers must provide free recycling. Covers computers, monitors, TVs, printers, keyboards, mice. Retailers and counties operate collection programs.
• Solid Waste Management Plans: Virginia Code §10.1-1411 requires each county/region to develop and maintain comprehensive solid waste management plan. Plans must address waste reduction, recycling, disposal capacity, cost projections. Updated every 5-10 years depending on locality.
• Local Authority: Municipalities control waste collection, recycling requirements, and facility siting. Northern Virginia localities have strictest requirements. Rural areas have minimal mandates. Regional variation significant.
• Chesapeake Bay Protection: Localities in Chesapeake Bay watershed (most of eastern Virginia) must consider stormwater and environmental impacts in waste facility siting and operations. Yard waste landfill bans common to reduce leachate.
• Federal Facility Requirements: Pentagon, military bases, federal agencies must meet Executive Order 13834 (50%+ recycling) and federal sustainability mandates. Separate from local regulations.

Cost Analysis

Virginia waste costs vary dramatically by region. Northern Virginia costs are 20-30% higher than the rest of the state due to high labor costs, real estate expenses, limited landfill capacity, and Washington DC metro area cost of living. Richmond and Hampton Roads align closer to national averages, while rural Virginia offers lower costs offset by longer haul distances.

Dumpster Rental Regional Comparison

Regional Cost Factors

• Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William): $45-$65/month residential. Highest costs in state reflect DC metro labor rates ($25-35/hour), limited disposal capacity, strict regulations, high real estate costs. Strong recycling programs offset some costs. Dumpster rentals: $450-$600/week (20-yard). Tipping fees: $65-$95/ton.
• Richmond Metro (Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield): $35-$48/month residential. Moderate costs reflect competitive market, adequate disposal capacity. City provides municipal service in Richmond proper. Suburban counties use private haulers. Dumpster rentals: $380-$500/week. Tipping fees: $45-$70/ton.
• Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News): $32-$45/month residential. Regional collaboration reduces costs. Naval base waste adds complexity but generates economy of scale. Dumpster rentals: $360-$480/week. Tipping fees: $40-$65/ton. Chesapeake Bay environmental considerations influence operations.
• Charlottesville/Albemarle County: $32-$45/month residential. University of Virginia influence drives strong recycling culture. Mix of city and county services. Dumpster rentals: $360-$480/week.
• Roanoke/Southwest Virginia: $28-$40/month residential. Lower costs reflect rural service areas, lower labor rates, regional landfills. Limited recycling infrastructure. Dumpster rentals: $340-$450/week.
• Shenandoah Valley (Harrisonburg, Winchester): $30-$42/month. Mix of small cities and rural areas. Growing tourism sector. Moderate recycling programs. Dumpster rentals: $350-$460/week.
• Rural Virginia (Southwest, Southside, Northern Neck): $25-$38/month. Lowest costs but often longer haul distances to landfills. Transfer stations common. Limited recycling infrastructure. Dumpster rentals: $340-$420/week.

Major Waste Service Providers

National Haulers

• Waste Management (WM): Largest Virginia operator. Major presence in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads. Operates landfills in Prince William, Loudoun counties. Services Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, federal agencies. 40+ Virginia locations.
• Republic Services: Strong Virginia footprint. Serves NoVA suburbs, Richmond metro, Hampton Roads. Owns landfills in Fairfax, Hanover counties. Growing market share through acquisitions.
• Waste Connections: Expanded Virginia presence. Serves Central and Southwest Virginia. Operates landfills in multiple regions.
• GFL Environmental: Growing Virginia operations through acquisitions. Serves residential and commercial customers in multiple regions.

Regional/Local Operators

• American Disposal Services: Major Mid-Atlantic regional hauler. Strong Northern Virginia and Richmond presence. Competitive alternative to nationals. Family-owned since 1970s. Now owned by GFL Environmental.
• TFC Recycling: Virginia-based recycler and hauler. Operates MRFs in Richmond, Chesapeake. Processes single-stream recycling for multiple Virginia localities.
• Brickhouse Environmental: Hampton Roads regional operator. Serves Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake areas. Commercial focus.
• Carroll Waste Services: Family-owned regional hauler. Serves parts of Central Virginia.
• Patriot Disposal: Independent Northern Virginia hauler. Residential and commercial services.

Municipal Services

• Richmond Department of Public Works: Provides residential trash and recycling service to Richmond city addresses. Automated cart collection. Blue carts for recycling. (804) 646-7000.
• Alexandria Solid Waste Division: City provides trash and recycling to all Alexandria properties. Weekly collection. Strong recycling enforcement. (703) 746-4410.
• Norfolk Waste Management: City provides service to Norfolk residents. Automated collection. Recycling programs. (757) 664-4703.
• Virginia Beach Waste Management: City contracts services. Provides collection to residents. (757) 385-4650.

Recycling Programs

Recycling Rate by Region

Northern Virginia Recycling Leadership

NoVA has strongest recycling programs in Virginia:

• Fairfax County: Mandatory recycling for all properties (residential, commercial, multi-family). Blue bins/carts. Single-stream system. County enforces through inspections. 48% diversion rate. Collection through private haulers or HOA contracts.
• Arlington County: Universal recycling. Multi-family (5+ units) must provide recycling. Strong enforcement. Blue carts/bins. Single-stream. County-operated Solid Waste Bureau oversees programs. 45% diversion rate.
• Alexandria: City-provided recycling to all properties. Blue carts. Weekly collection. Mandatory participation enforced. Strong education programs. 47% diversion rate.
• Loudoun County: Voluntary residential recycling (high participation). Commercial recycling required for large generators. Growing programs serving fast-growing county.
• Prince William County: Voluntary programs with high participation. County promotes recycling through education and convenience.

Richmond & Hampton Roads Programs

• Richmond: City provides blue cart recycling. Weekly pickup. Mandatory for multi-family properties. Single-stream system processed at TFC Recycling MRF. 45% city diversion rate.
• Henrico County: Voluntary curbside recycling. Blue bins/carts. High participation (60%+ of households). Single-stream collection.
• Chesterfield County: Voluntary recycling through private haulers. Drop-off centers available. Growing participation.
• Hampton Roads Regional Approach: Hampton Roads Planning District Commission coordinates regional recycling initiatives. Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News offer municipal programs. TFC Recycling operates regional MRF in Chesapeake processing materials from multiple cities.

Commonly Accepted Recyclables

• Paper/Cardboard: Newspapers, junk mail, office paper, magazines, cardboard boxes (flattened), paperboard packaging, phone books.
• Containers: Plastic bottles/jugs (#1-7 varies by locality), glass bottles/jars (all colors), aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, drink cartons (Tetra Pak).
• NOT Accepted: Plastic bags (return to grocery stores - major contamination issue), Styrofoam/polystyrene, food waste, electronics (use e-waste programs), batteries (use HHW sites), hazardous materials, textiles, diapers.
• Local Variations: Check with hauler or locality. Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria have most comprehensive acceptance. Rural areas more limited.

Drop-off Recycling Centers

• Fairfax County: I-66, I-95, West Ox Transfer Stations accept recyclables, HHW, e-waste, bulk items. Free for residents with Fairfax County Refuse Disposal Card.
• Arlington County: Household Goods Drop-off Center, HHW facility. Free for residents.
• Richmond: City convenience centers accept recyclables. East Richmond Road facility for HHW and e-waste.
• Rural Counties: Many operate drop-off recycling sites at landfills or convenience centers. Free for residents with proof of address.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Northern Virginia HHW Facilities

• Fairfax County I-66 Transfer Station: 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. Open Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. Free for Fairfax residents with disposal card. (703) 324-5052. Full HHW, e-waste, bulk items accepted.
• Fairfax County I-95 Complex: 9850 Furnace Road, Lorton. Open Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. Same services as I-66 facility.
• Arlington County HHW Center: 1425 N. Quincy Street. Open Sat 8:30am-3pm. Free for Arlington residents with ID. (703) 228-6832. Paint, chemicals, electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs.
• Alexandria HHW Events: Quarterly collection events (March, June, September, November). Pre-registration required. Check AlexandriaVA.gov for schedules. Free for residents.
• Loudoun County: Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility, 21101 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. HHW collection Sat 8am-3pm. Free for residents. (703) 771-5500.

Richmond & Central Virginia

• Richmond East Richmond Road Facility: 3400 E. Richmond Road. Open Sat 8am-noon. Free for Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield residents with ID. (804) 646-5533. Full HHW and e-waste accepted.
• Henrico County: Shares Richmond facility. Additional drop-off events periodically.
• Chesterfield County: Seasonal HHW collection events. Check county website for schedules. Free for residents.

Hampton Roads

• Norfolk: Second Saturday each month, 8am-noon at various locations (check schedule). Free for Norfolk residents. (757) 664-4703. Paint, chemicals, electronics, batteries accepted.
• Virginia Beach Landfill: 2525 Landstown Road. Sat 9am-1pm. Free for Virginia Beach residents with ID. (757) 385-1980. Full HHW services.
• Chesapeake: Chesapeake Intermediate Transfer Station. Sat collection events. Check schedule. Free for residents. (757) 382-6622.
• Newport News: Quarterly HHW collection events. Pre-registration may be required. (757) 926-8802.

Commonly Accepted HHW Items

• Paint, stain, varnish, solvents, thinners, paint removers
• Household cleaners, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers
• Motor oil, antifreeze, car batteries, automotive fluids
• Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, mercury thermometers, mercury switches
• Batteries (all types - alkaline, rechargeable, lithium, button cell)
• Electronics, computers, TVs, monitors, printers (e-waste law items)
• Propane tanks, pool chemicals, fire extinguishers
• Medications (some facilities - check locally or use pharmacy take-back)

E-Waste & Electronics Recycling

Virginia's Computer Recovery and Recycling Act (2008) provides comprehensive e-waste infrastructure:

What the Law Covers

• Banned from Landfills: Desktop computers, laptops, computer monitors, TVs, printers, keyboards, mice, fax machines, scanners.
• Manufacturer Responsibility: Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung, LG, Sony, etc. must provide free recycling programs for their products.
• Retailer Take-Back: Best Buy accepts electronics at Virginia stores (free for most items, $30 fee for large TVs). Staples accepts smaller electronics free.
• NOT Covered: Tablets, smartphones, small electronics, appliances. These accepted at HHW facilities but not mandated.

County E-Waste Collection

• Northern Virginia: Fairfax (I-66, I-95, West Ox facilities), Arlington (HHW center), Alexandria (quarterly events), Loudoun (solid waste facility). All free for residents.
• Richmond: East Richmond Road facility accepts all e-waste. Free for city/county residents. Open Sat.
• Hampton Roads: Norfolk (monthly events), Virginia Beach (landfill Sat collection), Chesapeake (events). Free for residents.
• Rural Counties: Most operate periodic e-waste collection events or accept at landfills/transfer stations. Check county website for schedules.

Manufacturer Mail-Back Programs

• Dell Reconnect: Partnership with Goodwill. Drop off any brand computer equipment at Virginia Goodwill locations.
• HP Mail-Back: Print prepaid shipping label for HP products. Mail to certified recycler.
• Apple Trade-In: Trade in Apple products for credit or free recycling at Apple Stores or via mail.
• Samsung Recycling: Mail-back program or drop at Best Buy. Free for Samsung products.

Bulky Item Collection

Bulky waste programs vary across Virginia:

• Richmond: Bulk item collection for city residents. Call (804) 646-7000 to schedule. Items include furniture, appliances, mattresses. Set out on designated day. Limited number of items per pickup.
• Alexandria: Monthly bulk item collection. Residents schedule through city. Furniture, appliances, mattresses accepted. (703) 746-4410.
• Norfolk: Bulk waste pickup through Waste Management. Call (757) 664-4703 for scheduling. Fee may apply.
• Fairfax County: Drop off bulk items at I-66, I-95, West Ox facilities. Free for residents with disposal card. No curbside bulk pickup.
• Private Hauler Service: Most Northern Virginia and suburban areas - bulk pickup arranged through private hauler. Fee typically $30-$80 per pickup depending on items.

Yard Waste & Organics

Virginia's humid subtropical climate generates significant yard waste volumes:

Yard Waste Collection Programs

• Seasonal Collection: Most Virginia localities offer spring-fall yard waste collection (March/April through November/December). Set out loose, in paper bags, or bundled alongside curb.
• Northern Virginia: Fairfax County provides spring-fall curbside yard waste pickup to most areas. Arlington offers year-round yard waste collection. Alexandria provides seasonal service. Grass, leaves, branches accepted.
• Richmond: Year-round yard waste pickup with regular trash collection. Leaves bagged or set out loose. Branch collection programs spring and fall.
• Hampton Roads: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake offer seasonal yard waste collection. Set out in bags or bundles. Some areas provide vacuum leaf collection in fall.
• Chesapeake Bay Watershed Considerations: Many localities ban yard waste from landfills to reduce leachate entering Chesapeake Bay. Yard waste composted instead.

Yard Waste Processing

• Composting Facilities: Ground into mulch or compost. Fairfax County operates Turning Earth composting facility processing yard waste into compost/mulch available to residents.
• Free Mulch Programs: Many Virginia counties offer free mulch to residents at landfills or convenience centers. Fairfax, Arlington, Richmond, Hampton Roads cities all provide mulch programs.
• Private Composting Services: Growing in NoVA. CompostNow, Purple Carrot Compost offer residential food scrap collection in limited areas.

Military Base Waste Management

Virginia has 27 military installations including major bases that significantly impact waste management:

Major Military Installations

• Pentagon (Arlington): 23,000+ daily personnel. Waste Management contract. Extensive recycling and composting programs. Must meet federal 50% diversion mandate. Security clearance required for contractors.
• Fort Belvoir (Fairfax County): 50,000+ military/civilian personnel. Comprehensive waste contract separate from county services. Recycling programs for base operations. Family housing may use county services.
• Marine Corps Base Quantico: 12,000+ personnel. Independent waste contracts. Extensive training operations generate unique waste streams. Recycling and HHW programs.
• Naval Station Norfolk: World's largest naval base. 75,000+ personnel. Major waste generation from ships, operations, housing. Regional waste contracts. Recycling programs.
• Langley Air Force Base (Hampton): Joint Base Langley-Eustis. 13,000+ personnel. Waste contracts separate from Hampton. Federal sustainability requirements.
• Naval Weapons Station Yorktown: Munitions and weapons storage. Specialized waste handling for hazardous military materials. Separate from civilian waste systems.

Federal Facility Waste Requirements

• Executive Order 13834: Federal facilities must divert 50% or more of non-hazardous waste from landfills. Drives aggressive recycling and composting programs.
• Separate Contracts: Military bases contract waste services independently from local governments. Often Waste Management or Republic Services with federal experience and security clearances.
• Security Requirements: Waste contractors must have personnel with appropriate security clearances. Background checks required. Controlled access to facilities.
• Specialized Waste Streams: Military bases generate unique waste: uniforms, MRE packaging, training materials, equipment, munitions-related waste (not HHW but specialized). Requires contractor expertise.
• Housing Services: On-base military family housing may use base waste contracts or local municipal services depending on location and arrangement.

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Considerations

Most of eastern Virginia lies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, requiring special waste management considerations:

• Watershed Protection: Waste facilities in bay watershed must minimize stormwater runoff and leachate that could reach Chesapeake Bay. Strict liner requirements, monitoring.
• Yard Waste Landfill Bans: Many bay-area localities ban yard waste from landfills. Organic decomposition creates leachate that can carry nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) into bay. Composting required instead.
• Stormwater Management: Landfills and transfer stations require comprehensive stormwater controls. Sediment basins, vegetated buffers, monitoring to prevent contaminated runoff.
• Virginia DEQ Oversight: DEQ coordinates with Chesapeake Bay Program. Waste facilities in watershed receive additional scrutiny during permitting and inspections.
• Regional Coordination: Hampton Roads Planning District Commission coordinates regional waste initiatives considering bay protection. Promotes recycling to reduce landfill impacts.

Commercial Waste Services

Local Recycling Requirements

• Fairfax County: Mandatory recycling for all commercial properties. County enforces through inspections. Businesses must contract recycling services. Violations subject to fines.
• Arlington County: Multi-family (5+ units) and large commercial properties must provide recycling. County monitors compliance.
• Alexandria: All commercial properties must provide recycling. City provides service to smaller businesses. Larger generators arrange private service.
• Richmond: Multi-family properties required to provide recycling. Commercial recycling voluntary but strongly encouraged. High participation in downtown.
• Hampton Roads Cities: Mostly voluntary commercial recycling. Norfolk, Virginia Beach encourage through education and incentives. No enforcement mechanisms in most areas.
• State Agencies: Virginia Code §10.1-1425.7 requires state agencies to recycle. Applies to state offices, universities, facilities statewide.

Commercial Service Costs

Costs vary significantly between Northern Virginia and rest of state:

Northern Virginia Commercial Rates

• 2-yard Bin: $180-$340/month (1-2x/week service)
• 4-yard Bin: $320-$620/month (2-3x/week service)
• 6-yard Bin: $450-$880/month (3-5x/week service)
• 8-yard Bin: $600-$1,200/month (3-6x/week service)
• Compactor Service: $900-$2,400/month depending on size and frequency

Richmond/Hampton Roads/Rest of Virginia

• 2-yard Bin: $150-$280/month (1-2x/week)
• 4-yard Bin: $270-$500/month (2-3x/week)
• 6-yard Bin: $380-$720/month (3-5x/week)
• 8-yard Bin: $500-$960/month (3-6x/week)
• Compactor Service: $750-$2,000/month

• Recycling Discount: Commercial recycling typically 20-35% lower than trash rates to incentivize diversion. NoVA localities may require recycling regardless of cost.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Debris

• No State Mandate: Virginia does not require C&D recycling percentages. Voluntary participation.
• LEED Projects: Green building projects (LEED certification) recycle 50-75% of C&D waste. Growing in NoVA, Richmond, university projects.
• Materials Recovered: Concrete crushed for road base/aggregate. Metals scrapped for commodity value. Wood chipped for mulch/biomass fuel. Drywall, asphalt roofing, brick recycling limited but growing.
• Disposal Costs: C&D landfills charge $35-$75/ton vs. MSW landfills $50-$95/ton. Recycling concrete/metals often cost-neutral or profitable due to commodity value.
• Northern Virginia C&D: High construction activity generates significant C&D waste. Fairfax I-66 and I-95 facilities accept C&D. WM, Republic, American Disposal operate C&D processing facilities.
• Richmond/Hampton Roads: Regional C&D landfills and recycling facilities. TFC Recycling processes some C&D materials.

Finding Local Services

How to Identify Your Provider

• Richmond City: City provides trash and recycling. Call (804) 646-7000 or visit RVA.gov for service info.
• Alexandria: City provides all services. (703) 746-4410 or AlexandriaVA.gov/SolidWaste
• Norfolk: City contracts service. (757) 664-4703 or Norfolk.gov for provider info.
• Northern Virginia Counties (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William): Competitive markets or HOA contracts. Check county website for licensed haulers list. Shop multiple providers for best price.
• Suburban Counties: Most use competitive private hauler markets. Contact county solid waste department for hauler lists and service requirements.
• HOAs: Many Virginia HOAs contract waste services. Check HOA documents or contact HOA management for provider information.

Service Complaints

• Municipal Services: Contact city public works for missed pickups, damaged property. Richmond: (804) 646-7000. Alexandria: (703) 746-4410. Norfolk: (757) 664-4703.
• Private Haulers: Contact hauler customer service. File complaint with county if franchised provider not meeting service standards.
• Virginia DEQ: Report illegal dumping, unpermitted facilities, environmental violations via (804) 698-4000 or DEQ.Virginia.gov/report-pollution
• Recycling Violations (NoVA): Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria enforce recycling requirements. Report non-compliant properties to county/city solid waste department.

Key Resources

• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): Division of Land Protection and Revitalization. DEQ.Virginia.gov | (804) 698-4000. Regulates waste facilities, tracks diversion, administers grants.
• Fairfax County Solid Waste Management: FairfaxCounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash | (703) 324-5052. Comprehensive waste, recycling, HHW info for largest Virginia county.
• Arlington County Solid Waste Bureau: Recycling.Arlington.gov | (703) 228-6570. Progressive programs, universal recycling ordinance info.
• Alexandria Solid Waste Division: AlexandriaVA.gov/SolidWaste | (703) 746-4410. City services, recycling requirements.
• Richmond Department of Public Works: RVA.gov/public-works | (804) 646-7000. City waste and recycling services.
• Virginia Recycling Association (VRA): VirginiaRecycles.org. Statewide nonprofit promoting recycling, education, industry networking.
• Keep Virginia Beautiful: KeepVirginiaBeautiful.org. Litter prevention, beautification, recycling education programs.

Get Waste Service Quotes

Ready to set up or compare waste services in Virginia? Get free quotes from haulers serving your area: